Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Political Science is the academic study of politics, power, justice, and government.
Political Scientists examine a variety of topics, including voting patterns in presidential
campaigns, the fiscal affairs of the Eurozone nations, how parliaments work, and debates
about current events. The scope of study ranges from local politics to state, national,
and international politics. Political Science is thus a broad, timely, fascinating,
and perpetually changing area of study.

The major offers courses in four subfields: American Politics, International Relations,
Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Political Science majors are able think
critically and analytically, write and speak effectively, and participate in politics
actively, skills that are valued in a wide spectrum of careers.

A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal,
state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit
associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; electoral
politics; graduate education; and research and university/college teaching.

Degree Requirements Checklist

Get Started

This degree is coordinated by Dr. Stylianos Hadjiyannis, Professor of Political Science
and International Relations. For additional information please contact Dr. Hadjiyannis
at (740) 351–3445 or shadjiyannis@shawnee.edu

SSU's Newest Bachelor Degree

Political Science is the newest bachelor degree offered at Shawnee State University.
It offers the advantages of small class sizes and individual attention from dedicated
and qualified instructors. We welcome all students and encourage you to consider
political science as your major: be a part of the next big thing at SSU!

Contact Information

Department of Social Science

Career Examples

Lawyer/Attorney

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal
issues and disputes. Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors.

As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal or civil trials by presenting
evidence and arguing in support of their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their
clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest courses of action in
business and personal matters. All attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial
decisions and apply the laws to the specific circumstances that their clients face.

Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land. Their
plans help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical
facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Urban and regional planners identify community needs and develop short- and long-term
plans to create, grow, and revitalize communities and areas. For example, planners
examine plans for proposed facilities, such as schools, to ensure that these facilities
will meet the needs of a changing population. As an area grows or changes otherwise,
planners help communities manage the related economic, social, and environmental issues,
such as planning a new park, sheltering the homeless, and making the region more attractive
to businesses.

Some planners work on broad, community-wide plans; others focus on specific issues.
Ultimately, planners advocate the best use of a community’s land and resources for
residential, commercial, educational, and recreational purposes.